France legend Zinedine Zidane has spoken of his distrust of Raymond Domenech, but insisted he always followed instructions.
With results on the pitch not going their way, the French have imploded spectacularly off it, with Nicolas Anelka sent back home for insubordination and the remaining players striking in protest.
The 1998 World Cup winner has also been accused of trying to influence the players into rebelling against the coach. However, he caterorically denied this in comments reported by The Sun.
"Thinking that I can call the players to put pressure on the coach four years after I have retired is serious," he said.
"I never had a problem with Domenech - but I never had a good feeling for him.
"But I respected his instructions. As captain, I was talking, but he was the coach and I respected the rules.
"I never gave my opinion on the composition of the team. I have always respected the rules."
Zidane also told a press conference: "I am sad about what is happening in the French squad. I am not happy with the way things said within the team got out to the media, I don't like how that happened. Those things need to stay within the group.
"There was a lot of debate around the team, but I wore the colours of the team and I am a supporter of the team, despite the things that are happening, which is a pity. But there is still hope and tomorrow's game will be important and I hope that we can still go through.
"I do not agree with the team not training yesterday. I told a journalist that this World Cup will be remembered for two things: the winner, and the fact that the French team refused to train before the South Africa game."
Zizou finally declared the players should not involve themselves in matters of team selection, leaving it up to the coach instead.
"Personally, when I was a player I never gave an opinion of who should play and who should not play, the team has a coach and I respected my coach when I was a player. I played my role as a captain and that is how I think it should be. I have no will to be France coach in future."